Oxfam has warned that the current Ebola outbreak in central Africa could be larger than official figures indicate. The humanitarian organization is also raising concerns about critical shortages of essential supplies in towns at the epicenter, which may be hindering efforts to contain the potentially deadly virus.
Rare and Severe Strain
Complicating the situation is the fact that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This rare and severe strain has no approved vaccines or treatments, and carries a fatality rate of up to 40%. Early detection and supportive care, such as hydration, are crucial for survival and reducing transmission. A key requirement for this is access to clean water.
Limited Access to Clean Water
Oxfam field data indicates that access to clean water in the outbreak's epicenter is severely limited. Sanitation and water systems, described as the first lines of defense against the virus, are collapsing. Manel Rebordosa, Oxfam's Field Response Coordinator in Ituri province, the epicenter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stated: "Water - the absolute first line of defense in any public health emergency is simply not available."
He added: "Miners working in the surrounding areas have no toilets and handwashing stations. Then they return home to communities already battling the virus. Clean water costs $2 for 20 liters. For most families here, that is far beyond what they can afford."
Transmission and Prevention
The Bundibugyo virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, vomit, feces, or sweat. It must enter the body through mucous membranes like the nose or mouth, or through broken skin. Avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and regularly washing hands, bedding, clothing, and medical equipment are among the top recommended prevention methods—all requiring access to clean water.
Epicenter Town: Mongbwalu
One of the towns at the epicenter is Mongbwalu, with a population of nearly 140,000. Oxfam data shows that only 20% have access to clean water, and just a quarter can use functional sanitation and hygiene facilities. Oxfam warns that due to these conditions, the true scale of the outbreak could be "larger than reported." This comes shortly after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it is the largest Bundibugyo outbreak on record.
Underreporting and Funding Cuts
In some areas, like North Kivu, deaths are reported in communities before the person can even be identified as having Ebola. Many families are left caring for sick relatives at home, unknowingly exposing more people to the virus. Oxfam highlighted a 46% drop in humanitarian funding for the DRC since 2024, which has forced aid agencies to scale back their work, reduce response, and worsen the shortage of essential supplies and functional facilities. The organization has launched a DRC crisis appeal to help scale up its response.
Global Health Response
Global health bodies are researching whether existing Ebola treatments could protect against this strain. The WHO has advised prioritizing some experimental drugs for treatment and prevention of this specific virus strain.
